Dr.Ryan, Dr.Nakatani, Dr.Balkhy, Ambassador Ahmad, Excellencies, Dear Colleagues and Experts, good afternoon!
It is such a pleasure to welcome you all at today's symposium hosted by Pakistan and China. I would like to thank WHO and its partners for their support.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and the founding of the United Nations, a key moment in the history of humanity. Currently, the international humanitarian assistance for health is facing multiple challenges, such as surging demand, shortage of funds and difficulties in access. According to the WHO, more than 300 million people worldwide are in need of humanitarian assistance due to regional conflicts, natural disasters, climate change and other factors. In the areas affected by humanitarian crises, there are seriously lack of assistive devices and technology such as wheelchairs, prosthetics, mobility and hearing aids, and lack of professional practitioners and public awareness. In addition, the price of the assistive devices in the affected areas are always unaffordable. This situation has not received enough attention from the international community and seriously affects the implementation of the “Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability” and the timely achievement of the health-related United Nations sustainable development goals.
In order to better promote the access to assistive technology and services in humanitarian crises, China suggests:
1.Integrate the concept of “Accessibility for All” into all policies, particularly in the areas of humanitarian assistance, health, disability, labor security, social welfare and education etc. Member States should attach greater importance to developing targeted assistive technology policies and action plans in accordance with their national context, and further strengthening the workforce and capacity building of professional practitioners.
2. Ensure the accessibility and affordability of the products, in particular to ensure the products can be delivered unhindered to those in need in the humanitarian crises. Member States should strengthen the supply chain regulation and the centralized procurement of relevant products. China is one of the major suppliers of assistive devices with low price and high quality in the international market. Welcome all Member States to increase their procurement from China, we will provide relevant facilitation accordingly.
3. Enhance global collaboration and solidarity in addressing challenges. Member States should deepen cooperation in terms of policy, product research and development, technology transfer, manufacturing, procurement and services, and gradually reduce inequalities in access to products and services globally, to ensure no one is left behind.
China has long advocated and implemented the concept of “Accessibility for All". As early as 2018, China has co-sponsored the World Health Assembly Resolution of “promoting assistive technology” proposed by Pakistan. Last year, the resolution of “promoting accessibility for full enjoyment of all human rights by all” proposed by China and co-sponsored by Pakistan was adopted by the UN Human Rights Council. China has also long provided emergency humanitarian aid, including assistive devices, to developing countries in need, which has been unanimously recognized by the international community. Our experts online will introduce in detail later.
China looks forward to deepening cooperation with international community and stands ready to make new contributions to the global community of health for all and the goal of “Accessibility for All”!
Thank you very much!